TJHSST Application Process Explained
For the application 2022 cycle, TJHSST offers 550 seats to the highest-evaluated students who demonstrate merit. You can read the in-depth application process on their website, which includes dates for when every aspect of the application is expected here https://www.fcps.edu/registration/thomas-jefferson-high-school-science-and-technology-admissions/tjhsst-freshman.
For general timelines, you can read this summary. From the end of October to the middle of November, students have the chance to work on and submit their preliminary applications. At the end of January, they will complete the Student Portrait Sheet and the essay. Final notifications for acceptances, rejections, and waitlists will be given out in April.
The following are the application components that students will be evaluated on:
- Student Portrait Sheet (evaluated based on characteristics of “Collaborator, Communicator, Creative and Critical Thinker, Ethical/Global Citizen, Goal-Directed and Resilient Individual, Innovator, Leader, Problem Solver”.
- A problem-solving essay, which includes math or science content, in which the student will have to include multiple variables/steps in the explanation
- GPA
- Experience Factors (economic disadvantage, English language learners, special education, and historically underrepresented schools)
The application process no longer requires the test in which students had to demonstrate math, reasoning, and reading skills.
These application requirements reflect a desire for a holistic evaluation and a more diverse student body that can study at the school.
This also means that for students interested in gaining admission and providing their best application possible, they will need to submit high-quality Student Portrait Sheet answers and problem-solving essay. They will also need to work on their grades from middle school so they can show that they will be able to handle the rigors of TJ’s curriculum.
You can read my in-depth explanations of how to answer Student Portrait Sheet answers and how to answer the problem-solving essay. All these explanations are comprehensive and free, so I hope they provide a lot of value to you!
Thank you, and please reach out to us with any questions.
Naman